Suffering

Today is Good Friday, the day we contemplate suffering. As I've been reflecting on this most somber day in this holiest week I'm considering what to do with this significant bit of the Christian story. I confess to struggling with the ancient traditions of Christianity that suggest there's really nothing to struggle about: Jesus paid the price for my sins and that's the end of it.

Of course no one really says "that's the end of it"-- or at least not much, right out loud. But I see it sometimes in the way we act. Yesterday I spoke of the hurly burly of Holy Week in a typical congregation. Not to be critical, but as part of my own consideration of how to spend this Good Friday, I note how quick we are to move from the contemplation of suffering and move to the celebration of the price that's paid and now on to the flowers, the chocolate, the baked ham and "all's well that ends well."

My moments of contemplation have taken me into an awareness of just how much suffering exists in the world, in my world. No one is immune. Even the Son of God suffered at the hands of an unjust society. Surely not for me to say "He did it all; now on with the party."

Human nature is inclined to assume people somehow get what they deserve. But I know this is not true and that the innocent and the righteous also suffer. Have you seen the Haiti earthquake pictures? Our response must be one of compassion. How will I ensure I continue to respond with compassion in the face of such suffering?

I've personally spent quite a lot of time in jails and prisons, and on the streets with those who want to repent and find a way back into society. How very hard that is! I know there are some people who may, in fact, be said to deserve their suffering. But I cannot turn from those children of God either. Just as Jesus did not turn from the thieves on the crosses beside Him, or from the government agents who nailed Him up there. "Forgive them" He said.

And to me, He says "Find compassion for those who suffer." If my reflection on His suffering does not turn me to acts of compassion, it is I who do not deserve my Easter celebration.

Posted by Marion

Celebrate

Some of you have asked for a report on my weekend trip to worship with the Montreal congregation. I know your thoughts and prayers have been with the Haitian church and the ties to our Montreal congregation are very close! (They and we are very grateful for all you've been doing to contribute to the relief efforts there.)

So you would likely not have been surprised to hear of a sad or sombre atmosphere in our worship there. You would have been wrong! This weekend was the tenth anniversary of the church's being able to purchase and occupy their facility. They feel truly blessed to have a place to worship. Every year they mark the date. They were in big-time celebration mode.

This is a people made for praise! Prayers are full of "Hallaluja!" and "Praise Jesus!" The energy and interaction in their gathering is high. Music and singing and movement and colour and flowers and everyone in their very best outfits mark the occasion. After the two and a half hour service we repaired to the lower room for feasting and conversation (and a spontaneous game of tag among the tables, played by children from just walking to teenagers).

Do they not care for the suffering of their compatriots? Absolutely! And they too are sending every bit of money they can. But they are not surprised, as we may be, by the singing in the rubble, because they are singing too.

No one knows the hour they will be called home; praise God we have Jesus in our hearts.
For this they will Celebrate!

Posted by Marion

Peace

Yesterday, Carman posed the question: is it reasonable to imagine we can do this?

“This” has taken on whole new proportions as we watch the story of Haiti unfolding before us through various news media and social networks. And yet, individuals are stepping up in just so many ways to tackle this impossibly enormous challenge. All day yesterday we’ve been answering queries from individuals and congregations, about how to help.

Is this a “peace & justice” issue? Will what we contribute or not make one iota of difference to the number of bums in pews this Sunday, or next? Or ever? Many of those who do gather will offer special, heart-felt prayers for the suffering we’re all enduring together. Many will gather special, even sacrificial offerings to send to help the relief effort. Some will search out theological explanations for such catastrophes. And someday, some of us will look again at what we can really, really do to make our world more peaceful, more just!

As Neil Cole put it in his book Organic Church, "It is not enough to fill our churches; we must transform our world."

That’s it. That’s our fifth and final 2020 Vision Goal for the decade: Engage in effective peace ministries.

May God bless you in your efforts.

(Posted by Marion)